First Impressions 7many guns will probably be a little unsettling until you get
used to it. Also, if you are accustomed to going wherever
you like in some buildings, you will quickly fi nd that entry
into many areas is restricted and armed guards are there
to ensure security. I also fi nd that security presence differs
from town-to-town.
Occasionally, you will fi nd traffi c is at a total standstill
because an important dignitary is going somewhere. Troops
line the streets in riot gear in these situations. Occasionally,
armoured personnel carriers with troops wearing riot gear
sit at strategic locations. Their presence depends on several
circumstances, for example, where you are in Egypt or special
circumstances of which you may not be aware. New residents
and visitors may be particularly alarmed to see an armoured
personnel carrier outside their hotel. The word on the street
is that ‘they are there for your protection’. Frankly, sometimes
it seems for show, a way to show tourists that they are on top
of everything. In Alexandria, for example, the tourist police
seem to have less to do than in other cities, and always make
a big show. Other times, extra protection is there because of
a potential threat of which you are not aware, and they truly
are there as a deterrent and for protection. Assume they are
there for your protection.
A Word of Caution
Just a reminder, there are restrictions on photographing military
personnel and sites, bridges and canals, including the Suez Canal.
Egyptian authorities may broadly interpret these restrictions to
include other potentially sensitive structures, such as embassies, other
public buildings with international associations and some religious
edifi ces. It is generally recommended that visitors should also refrain
from taking photographs of any uniformed personnel.
Personally, I know of one situation where a foreigner was too
close to a military site while taking pictures of trains or a bridge
(it was never totally clear what the object of the photo was), was
observed by police and arrested. The reason I am telling you is that
it is sometimes very diffi cult to tell what is allowed and what is not
allowed. As a general rule (this is defi nitely not an absolute), if you
are trying to take a picture where it is not allowed, someone will tell
you. If in doubt, you may ask—just be careful approaching anyone
wearing a uniform unless it is clearly marked ‘tourist police’.